73 Types of Bees in New Mexico
New Mexico hosts over 1,000 bee species, from familiar honey bees to solitary miners. Most sightings occur in spring and summer near flowering plants in the Rio Grande Valley and mountain meadows. Start by learning the key field marks that separate honey bees, bumble bees, and carpenter bees.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- July, August, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
73 types of bees recorded in New Mexico
73 bee species have a verified observation record in New Mexico across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
2 of the 50 shown are recorded as introduced to New Mexico rather than native.
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Also recorded in New Mexico
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Anthophora montanaAnthophora montana | Anthophora montana | 149 |
| 14 | Oblique Longhorn BeeEpimelissodes obliquus | Epimelissodes obliquus | 142 |
| 15 | Great Basin Bumble BeeBombus centralis | Bombus centralis | 141 |
| 16 | Nevada Bumble BeeBombus nevadensis | Bombus nevadensis | 135 |
| 17 | Colorado Black-notched Bumble BeeBombus bifarius | Bombus bifarius | 133 |
| 18 | Blueberry Mason beeOsmia ribifloris | Osmia ribifloris | 113 |
| 19 | Tansy Mustard Sweat BeeLasioglossum sisymbrii | Lasioglossum sisymbrii | 111 |
| 20 | Spotted WoolcarderAnthidium maculosum | Anthidium maculosum | 103 |
| 21 | California Digger-cuckoo BeeBrachymelecta californica | Brachymelecta californica | 99 |
| 22 | Prunus Miner BeeAndrena prunorum | Andrena prunorum | 98 |
| 23 | Nevada NomiaDieunomia nevadensis | Dieunomia nevadensis | 95 |
| 24 | Angeles Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon angelicus | Agapostemon angelicus | 90 |
| 25 | Honey-tailed Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon melliventris | Agapostemon melliventris | 85 |
| 26 | Sunflower Chimney BeeDiadasia enavata | Diadasia enavata | 84 |
| 27 | Urbane Digger BeeAnthophora urbana | Anthophora urbana | 73 |
| 28 | White-shouldered Bumble BeeBombus appositus | Bombus appositus | 61 |
| 29 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 58 |
| 30 | Megachile policarisMegachile policaris | Megachile policaris | 58 |
| 31 | Yellow-fronted Bumble BeeBombus flavifrons | Bombus flavifrons | 55 |
| 32 | Common Longhorn BeeMelissodes communis | Melissodes communis | 52 |
| 33 | Brown-belted Bumble BeeBombus griseocollis | Bombus griseocollis | 49 |
| 34 | Dark-faced Longhorn BeeMelissodes tristis | Melissodes tristis | 48 |
| 35 | Globe Mallow BeeDiadasia diminuta | Diadasia diminuta | 47 |
| 36 | Bumblebee-like Digger BeeAnthophora bomboides | Anthophora bomboides | 41 |
| 37 | Macrotera latiorMacrotera latior | Macrotera latior | 38 |
| 38 | Red-belted Bumble BeeBombus rufocinctus | Bombus rufocinctus | 34 |
| 39 | Ochraceous Chimney BeeDiadasia ochracea | Diadasia ochracea | 31 |
| 40 | Centris caesalpiniaeCentris caesalpiniae | Centris caesalpiniae | 28 |
| 41 | Glorious ProtoxaeaProtoxaea gloriosa | Protoxaea gloriosa | 28 |
| 42 | Calliopsis subalpinaCalliopsis subalpina | Calliopsis subalpina | 28 |
| 43 | Silver-tailed PetalcutterMegachile montivaga | Megachile montivaga | 26 |
| 44 | Porter's Wool-carder BeeAnthidium porterae | Anthidium porterae | 25 |
| 45 | Pacific Digger BeeAnthophora pacifica | Anthophora pacifica | 21 |
| 46 | Sunflower Mining BeeNativeAndrena helianthi | Andrena helianthi | 19 |
| 47 | Five-Eyes Fairy BeePerdita chamaesarachae | Perdita chamaesarachae | 19 |
| 48 | Sunflower Burrowing-Resin beeParanthidium jugatorium | Paranthidium jugatorium | 18 |
| 49 | Black-and-gray Leafcutter BeeNativeMegachile melanophaea | Megachile melanophaea | 16 |
| 50 | Fuzzy-Horned Bumble BeeBombus mixtus | Bombus mixtus | 16 |
Plus 23 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 183 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
24,057 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in New Mexico, most often in July, August, June.
New Mexico hosts over 1,000 bee species, from familiar honey bees to solitary miners. Most sightings occur in spring and summer near flowering plants in the Rio Grande Valley and mountain meadows. Start by learning the key field marks that separate honey bees, bumble bees, and carpenter bees.
What are the most common types of bees in New Mexico?
The most frequently seen bees in New Mexico include the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), various bumble bees (Bombus spp.), and carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.). Honey bees are slender with golden-brown bands, while bumble bees are larger and fuzzy with black and yellow stripes. Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen. For a full species overview, see our/animals/beehub.
Where in New Mexico do people usually notice bees first?
Bees are most noticeable in the Rio Grande bosque, Gila National Forest, and around urban gardens in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Look for them on sunflowers, wild buckwheat, and desert willow blooms. High desert areas like the Jornada del Muerto also host unique solitary bees. For more on New Mexico wildlife hotspots, visit/wildlife/new-mexico.
What is the best season for confident bee sightings?
Peak bee activity in New Mexico runs from March through September, with the highest diversity in July and August after the summer monsoons. Early spring (March-April) is excellent for queen bumble bees emerging from hibernation. Late fall sightings are possible but less reliable because many species enter diapause.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you tell honey bees from bumble bees in the field?
Look at body size and hair. Honey bees are smaller (about 15 mm) with a slender shape and sparse hair. Bumble bees are stocky, heavily haired, and often exceed 20 mm. Also watch flight behavior: honey bees flutter from flower to flower, while bumble bees hover more deliberately. Carpenter bees are similar in size to bumble bees but have a bare, shiny black abdomen and a loud buzzing flight.
What solitary bees should I look for in New Mexico?
Leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.) and mason bees (Osmia spp.) are common solitary bees. Leafcutters carry green leaf pieces to line their nests, while mason bees use mud. They are smaller than honey bees and often have a metallic sheen. Sweat bees (Halictidae) are tiny and attracted to perspiration; they are important pollinators in arid regions.
Are there any rare or unusual bees unique to New Mexico?
The Southwestern carpenter bee (Xylocopa californica) and the desert bumble bee (Bombus sonorus) are regionally notable. Several endemic species live in the Chihuahuan Desert. Bumble bee populations have declined in some areas, so reporting sightings helps conservation. For comparison, check our guides on/animals/heronsand other New Mexico wildlife.
Show your bee appreciation with bee-themed gear
If you enjoy spotting bees, bring the buzz home. Easy Street Markets offers a selection of bee-inspired items that make great gifts for fellow insect fans. Here are a few favorites:
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
A fitted tee showing a honey bee in mid flight, perfect for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg
A laser engraving file for creating custom tumblers with a honeycomb pattern.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A high-quality cap with a embroidered bee design, ideal for field days.Check Price and Availability
For more bee gifts and accessories, browse our/stickerscollection.
What are common questions about bees in New Mexico?
**Are there Africanized honey bees in New Mexico?** Yes, Africanized honey bees ("killer bees") are present in southern New Mexico. They are more aggressive than European honey bees but look identical. Exercise caution near feral colonies.
**How can I attract native bees to my garden?** Plant native flowers like desert marigold, penstemon, and sunflowers. Avoid pesticides and leave some bare ground for ground-nesting bees.
**Do all bees in New Mexico sting?** Only female bees have stingers. Most solitary bees are non-aggressive and may not sting unless handled. Honey bees and bumble bees can sting defensively.
**How do I report a bee swarm or colony?** Contact local beekeeping associations or the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for safe removal.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common types of bees in New Mexico?+
The most frequently seen bees in New Mexico include the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), various bumble bees (Bombus spp.), and carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.). Honey bees are slender with golden-brown bands, while bumble bees are larger and fuzzy with black and yellow stripes. Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen. For a full species overview, see our/animals/beehub.
Where in New Mexico do people usually notice bees first?+
Bees are most noticeable in the Rio Grande bosque, Gila National Forest, and around urban gardens in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Look for them on sunflowers, wild buckwheat, and desert willow blooms. High desert areas like the Jornada del Muerto also host unique solitary bees. For more on New Mexico wildlife hotspots, visit/wildlife/new-mexico.
What is the best season for confident bee sightings?+
Peak bee activity in New Mexico runs from March through September, with the highest diversity in July and August after the summer monsoons. Early spring (March-April) is excellent for queen bumble bees emerging from hibernation. Late fall sightings are possible but less reliable because many species enter diapause. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you tell honey bees from bumble bees in the field?+
Look at body size and hair. Honey bees are smaller (about 15 mm) with a slender shape and sparse hair. Bumble bees are stocky, heavily haired, and often exceed 20 mm. Also watch flight behavior: honey bees flutter from flower to flower, while bumble bees hover more deliberately. Carpenter bees are similar in size to bumble bees but have a bare, shiny black abdomen and a loud buzzing flight.
What solitary bees should I look for in New Mexico?+
Leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.) and mason bees (Osmia spp.) are common solitary bees. Leafcutters carry green leaf pieces to line their nests, while mason bees use mud. They are smaller than honey bees and often have a metallic sheen. Sweat bees (Halictidae) are tiny and attracted to perspiration; they are important pollinators in arid regions.
Are there any rare or unusual bees unique to New Mexico?+
The Southwestern carpenter bee (Xylocopa californica) and the desert bumble bee (Bombus sonorus) are regionally notable. Several endemic species live in the Chihuahuan Desert. Bumble bee populations have declined in some areas, so reporting sightings helps conservation. For comparison, check our guides on/animals/heronsand other New Mexico wildlife.
What are common questions about bees in New Mexico?+
**Are there Africanized honey bees in New Mexico?** Yes, Africanized honey bees ("killer bees") are present in southern New Mexico. They are more aggressive than European honey bees but look identical. Exercise caution near feral colonies. **How can I attract native bees to my garden?** Plant native flowers like desert marigold, penstemon, and sunflowers. Avoid pesticides and leave some bare ground for ground-nesting bees. **Do all bees in New Mexico sting?** Only female bees have stingers. Most solitary bees are non-aggressive and may not sting unless handled. Honey bees and bumble bees can sting defensively. **How do I report a bee swarm or colony?** Contact local beekeeping associations or the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for safe removal. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in New Mexico